1997 Lincoln Mark VIII Basic review from North America

The front brakes tend to shudder when they are hot. The situation is worse when road grim is involved. This tendency is reduced by frequent power washing of the brakes at a local car wash.

The power steering assembly was noisy and the dealer replaced this under warranty a couple years ago.

The front headlights were both replaced two years ago as a result of a fender bender. The impact was just strong enough to break the rear portion of each headlight assembly, but not headlights. The body shop had to install a new rear portion of the assembly which only came in a changed plug design. Each side then required a new headlight to fit with the new plug.

It is easy to damage the bearings in the tilt/telescopic steering wheel. This problem was repaired once by the dealer and I will be having it repaired next week, again. This damage seems to occur after someone-else drives the unit, like valet and car-wash staff. When the unit is allowed to function on its own it has never generated a problem. The steering wheel is delicate and should not be used has a booster bar for entry and exit.

The cigarette lighter has never worked properly, even after two dealer repairs. The dealer kept saying the plug insert was broken and the electric connection was not working properly. I do not think it is worth repairing the cigarette lighter, but it does impress me as the result of a design flaw.

This automobile is not an inexpensive vehicle to drive when you factor in increased insurance and license expenses. It is a value in my opinion. This vehicle has never left me stranded and has proven to be very reliable. The fun, capabilities and style make this a car I hope to keep for quite a while.

The road handling and performance of this automobile are excellent. I drive roads in the Colorado Rockies frequently and it has better power and handling than almost all the other cars on the road. Even in the snow and ice, with the traction control, this car does not get stuck when driven wisely.

The interior comfort is plush with items you realize are not in other luxury sport coupes (climate control, tilt/telescopic with memory, auto headlights, ability to turn various options on or off, etc.). An important factor to realize is the this is a two-seat car with an emergency spot in back for three more people. The rear seat can only accommodate very small children in comfort for any extended length of time.